Fitness experts now believe that if there is one form of exercise that men of all ages should be doing, it’s this one!

Fun Fact:

Pilates was created by a man -- for men. Creator, Joseph Pilates, had a list of occupations -- diver, wrestler, body builder, self-defense teacher and professional boxer -- that's pretty much the stereotypical definition of manliness. The truth is, Pilates offers a great workout, regardless of your gender.

With its benefits of increased core strength, improved posture and better balance and flexibility, it should come as no surprise to learn that the number of male participants in Pilates classes is rising.

Pilates includes balance and standing work, it is a total body workout. Let’s face it, there’s not much point in having great abs if they only work when you’re lying down!

Your core isn’t just your abs — it’s your entire body from your diaphragm all the way to your pelvic floor. Although the focus of a Pilates class is primarily on your core, your inner unit, the class will also work your back, chest, arms, legs, neck, feet… the works! Other benefits are flexibility and coordination will improve with practice.

That’s not to say that Pilates ever gets easy. Pilates is multi-layered, which is what keeps it interesting for people, even after years of practice.

At P/op you’ll learn the basics of each movement first, breaking them down as much as needed, then adding things in to deepen the experience or simply add more challenge.

Book a session with a P/op instructor today, you’ll be glad you did!

Bring a friend or join up to 4 people for a fun and affordable way to experience Pilates in our Group/Semi-private sessions. Each workout is tailored to each individuals level within the group setting. Single Class Semi-Private: $45

There is a reason why stretching into a pilates lunge always make you sigh “ahhh” with relief. Thanks to our overly sedentary work life, our hips and backs are feeling tighter than ever.

In the U.S. we spend 10 hours a day seated on average, 80 percent of us will experience lower-back pain being desk, car or sofa bound. This is sometimes referred to as, long-term parking, which causes lower-back pain by upsetting the normal, healthy function of a few major muscle groups.

The main problem is poor posture.

We tend to slouch while we sit, and cashew-curling our upper body strains back, neck and shoulder muscles.

Here are Po/P’s 3- must-dos’ to get you back on track:

Every little bit helps – just once every half hour is enough to prevent muscles-wasting spinal disk compression and other harmful effects of being stuck in one spot. While you’re up and walking, take big, strong strides to relieve the pressure that sitting causes.

If you are already achy, or have had issues in the past, first get the green light from your medical professional. Then start conservatively, with basic core-building exercises. Think squats, planks, bridges and wall-sits. Pay attention to technique, really pays off to ensure that your back never takes on more than it can handle.

We all know how to keep our biceps in shape, but few of us know how to keep feet and toes in good condition.

They take significant abuse from the hours we spend on our feet each day.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) considers your feet a marvel of engineering. Together, your two feet contain more than 50 bones, accounting for about one-fourth of all the bones in your body. And somehow they also make room for more than 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold them together and help them move.

All shoe wearers will benefit from these exercises.

Toe raise, point and curl:

Hold each position for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Great if you suffer from toe cramps.

Golf ball roll:

Roll a golf ball under the ball of the foot for two minutes. This is a great massage for the bottom of the foot and is recommended for people with plantar fasciitis (heel pain), arch strain or foot cramps.

Towel curls

Place a small towel on the floor and curl it toward you using only your toes. You can increase the resistance by putting a weight on the end of the towel. Relax and repeat this exercise five times.

Try these exercises recommendations the next time your feet cry mutiny.

You’ll soon be stepping lively again!

For more information on foot health go to: http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/.aspx

Visit the Arroyo Seco Marketplace

Saturday, November 24, 2018 10:00am

Visit the 2nd annual Arroyo Seco Marketplace on November 24th from 10am – 4pm. What better way to get ahead of your holiday shopping and support local small businesses and vendors than with our nature themed vendor booths. They’ll have food, music, activities, and programs running all day long for the whole family. Stay throughout the day and participate in their raffle.

Explore the marketplace--you're bound to find something for everyone on your holiday list!

The practice of Pilates may date back all the way to the early 1900’s, but the benefits of its practice are far from outdated.

Consistency is key for seeing results from Pilates, so add a class or two to your schedule this week! You’ll soon start feeling a much more strong and balanced core, which will only enhance your performance in other areas as well.

We look forward to seeing you at P/oP!

Intro Offer: 3 private, 55-minute introductory sessions: $180

This set of 3 classes is an introduction to the art of Pilates and is open to first-time clients. Build core strength and learn the beginning moves you'll need to master this timeless exercise. Inquire on instructor availability.

Join Samantha every Monday evening at 6pm & 7pm & Wednesday at 6pm for a group reformer class. Text (213) 222-6199 to reserve a spot.

Join Toni every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm for a group reformer class. Text (707) 416-6162 to reserve a spot. Email to rsvp.

Join Amelia every Thursday evenings at 6pm & 7pm for a group reformer class. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot .

Charletha is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Double Certified Pilates Instructor in Stott Pilates and Peak Pilates, respectively.

Char has worked in the fitness industry for 18 years, and has experience in many different areas of exercise including spinning/ indoor cycling, boot camp, TRX, basic functional training, and Pilates.

Charletha has traveled and taught Pilates in the Pacific Northwest region and in Utah. From 2004 through 2007 she was a Master Pilates instructor teaching and certifying individuals in the Pilates method.

Her personal training allowed her the opportunity to enter bodybuilding competitions from 2007 to 2009, winning first place in both heavyweight and middleweight divisions of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), the governing board of the sport of bodybuilding and fitness.

Her interests include reading, writing and the opera.

Call (626)765-6500 or email us to schedule an appointment with Charletha today!

Looking for fresh looking, healthy skin?

Try peppermint oil in any of these

6 peppermint oil benefits for your skin.

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

1. Makes Skin Brighter

Adding a few drops of this oil into your daily beauty regimen is an easy and effective way to achieve healthy and radiant skin. It contains menthol that has a cooling effect and at the same time, works to brighten up the dull skin. Great to do after a Pilates workout!

2. Alleviates Stress And Pain

Peppermint oil can alleviate stress and pain after a long and tiring day. Apply some drops of peppermint oil on your body and take a bath. The refreshing properties of this wonderful oil will energize you and its cooling properties will remove body pain.

3. Hydrates A Dry Scalp

Since this oil has excellent moisturizing properties, you can mix it with your favorite carrier oil like almond oil or olive oil and apply the mixture on your hair.

Wrap your hair in a shower cap and wait for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, you may use peppermint essential oil in combination with other essential oils like jasmine or lavender. It helps to nourish your hair and moisturize it thoroughly.

4. Eases Digestion

Peppermint oil can cure indigestion. You can add it to your food as a flavoring agent or drink few drops with a glass of warm water after your meal. Since peppermint oil is carminative in nature, it helps to reduce a stomach upset.

5. Peppermint Oil For Headaches

Peppermint oil is the best natural remedy to get relief from headaches. Sprinkle few drops of the oil on a handkerchief or dab it on your wrist and inhale it to get rid of a nagging headache. It is also used for migraines as an excellent stress buster.

6. Oral Health

It is usually added in all toothpastes for that refreshing flavor and if not, you can add it yourself. Put two drops of peppermint oil on your toothpaste and you can stay away from bad breath and toothaches. This is the best way for dental care and fighting against harmful germs. Enjoy a great smile!

For voting us Best Pilates Studio for 2018!!

We have made the Best of List in 2016, 2017 and now 2018 thanks again to you!

You’ve heard of FOMO…

(a.k.a. fear of missing out), but now everyone is talking about FOBO (fear of better options).

It’s a term coined by Patrick J. McGinnis, who is the host of the podcast FOMO Sapiens. The idea is that we often fall into the trap of researching every single option - like when you are looking for a hotel, or searching for a restaurant - to ensure you pick the best possible thing.

The problem? Experts say it can lead to paralysis, because the more options you have, the tougher it is to make a decision.

P/oP makes your decision making easy, all our classes are tailored to be a great fit for you workout goals.

Join our Group Reformer Classes: $25

Join Samantha every Monday evening at 6pm & 7pm & Wednesday at 6pm for a group reformer class. Text (213) 222-6199 to reserve a spot.

Join Toni every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm for a group reformer class. Text (707) 416-6162 to reserve a spot. Email to rsvp.

Join Amelia every Thursday evenings at 6pm & 7pm for a group reformer class. Text (203) 627-6687 to reserve a spot .